Fine weather expected for Fieldays after wet start to week

It might be wet under foot on the first day, but the weather for this year's Fieldays at Mystery Creek is forecast to be a relatively nice one. Photo/File

Wet weather may hit the Waikato early this week, but the MetService is forecasting fine and clear conditions for this year's Fieldays.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the agriculture extravaganza of the year which kicks off on Wednesday.

Despite last year's low dairy payout, it turned out to be the event's second biggest attendance in its 49-year history.

MetService duty meteorologist Ravi Kandula said showers will hit Hamilton from Monday afternoon, with conditions expected to deteriorate on Tuesday, but from Wednesday through to the end of the week it should be relatively fine.

"Parts of early [Monday] is pretty good for Waikato, cloud starts to build throughout the day though then a few showers through the afternoon and evening.

"The real weather starts to arrive Tuesday around late morning, midday, we're going to expect a band of rain."

That will bring with it strong winds - possibly gales - however, it's short lived as a high pushes its way on to the country early Wednesday and stays there for the rest of the week.

"Really, after Tuesday, it's a pretty nice looking trend right through till Monday."

There would likely be showers in coastal areas on Wednesday, but it was not forecast to hit Mystery Creek, which sits near Hamilton International Airport.

"From Wednesday, midday onwards, the showers are definitely coastal. Even parts of inland Waitomo will be pretty sheltered as well."

As for temperatures, it will be cool with highs up to 15C during the event.

"It's a pretty positive picture, really."

FORECAST:

MONDAY 16C high 8C low
Fine weather initially, before showers arrive.

TUESDAY 16C high 8C low
Rain and strong westerlies

WEDNESDAY 14C high 1C low
Rain clears, southwesterlies easing

THURSDAY 14C high 5C low
Mainly fine

FRIDAY 15C high 3C low
Partly cloudy, little wind

SATURDAY 14C high 1C low
Partly cloudy, little wind